Here’s what’s on exhibit this October in Salem

HALLIE FORD MUSEUM OF ART

Featuring works by Pacific Northwest and Native American artists, a diverse collection of traditional European, American, and Asian art, and antique artifacts. The galleries are closed on Sunday and Monday. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for seniors (55+). Children and students (0-17) and students (18+ with ID) are admitted free of charge, and Tuesday is a free day. 

Through November 21, 2026
What Do We Hold? A Community Conversation — In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, What Do We Hold? A Community Conversation was created in collaboration with The Conversation Project and the Office of Civic Engagement at Willamette University. The project brought together students, faculty, and Salem community members from a range of backgrounds to explore themes in the Declaration of Independence and how to talk about our histories, present challenges, and hopes for the future.

Through November 21, 2026
Drawn from the Collection presents a selection of drawings from the museum’s collection of Northwest art. The works on view here offer a wide range of approaches to drawing. Whether resulting in a tightly rendered figurative work or an expressive, process-oriented abstraction, drawing lets the artist make a direct, immediate statement.

Through March 13, 2027
Handmade Revolution: Craft in the Pacific Northwest is the first exhibition to feature the museum’s significant holdings of both historic and contemporary craft. The exhibition features over 60 artworks created in ceramics, textiles, glass, wood, and metal made by artists such as Rudy Autio, Frank Boyden, Dale Chihuly, Betty Feves, Heidi Pruess Grew, Linda Hutchins, Clay Lohman, George Rodriguez, Sara Siestreem, Ken Shores, Peter Voulkos, Patti Warashina, Marie Watt, Nancy Worden, and many more.

RELATED EVENT: Salem Art Walk, 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct 2

Also on exhibit:

Through December 4, 2026
Shoki Tanabe: The World According to Nouns — An eclectic show of new and older works, including several cardboard compositions that dominated Shoki’s creative output in 2026. “Everything is in flux. People, circumstances, events, language. When you think about it, even the most physically stolid structures on earth are moving; decaying over time, and dancing and spiraling at an atomic level. That’s everything, and all of us. That place where the mountains meet the sea? That’s all of us. Sheer walls, blinding heights. Churning water. The best forms of expression speak to it, too – all things in vibration, tenuous and liminal, directed by positive or negative charge and defined by light and shadow.”

See Shoki’s work at The Roger W. Rogers Gallery in the Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center at Willamette University.

ART IN THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE 

Art in the Governor’s Office brings the works of some of Oregon’s most distinguished artists to the state Capitol. This longstanding tradition, which began in 1975 and celebrates the diverse creativity of Oregon’s professional visual artists, relaunched this year following a pause due to the pandemic and the restoration of the Capitol building. The Governor’s Gallery is viewable most Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitation information is available at 503-986-1388.

 October 9 through December 31
Nancy Watterson Scharf — Nancy is based in the Southern Oregon Coast Range. Her acrylic paintings provide a “voice for nature,” investigating the complex relationship between humans, animals, and the ecosystems they share.

SALEM ART ASSOCIATION

The Salem Art Association (SAA) aims to actively engage the community in the appreciation of the arts through contemporary art exhibits and events, and arts education for youth and adults. Bush Barn Art Center & Annex, 600 Mission St SE | 503-581‑2228, salemart.org

Through October 25, 2026
Indigenous Northwest Biennial — This exhibit showcases notable Indigenous artists from the region who are creating traditional and contemporary artwork. This exhibition demonstrates the immense depth of talent emanating from local Native communities, which are often overlooked. Indigenous Northwest celebrates the contributions of Native artists who carry ancestral knowledge and traditions forward while challenging viewers to expand their perceptions of what Indigenous art can be through various mediums and materials. The Pacific Northwest has a deep pool of Indigenous creatives who are living and working in the region. Indigenous Northwest is an opportunity to share some of the amazing art coming out of the local Native community. Artists range from traditional weavers and beadworkers to painters, performers, photographers, and assemblage.

And There was Evening, and There was Morning | Taylor Manoles — As we journey through life alongside these waters, we are held in the balance of stillness and flow. This series explores fleeting moments of serenity, inviting viewers to pause within the living rhythm of the landscape.

RELATED EVENT: Artist Talk with Leland Butler & Leonard Harmon — 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 17

SALEM ON THE EDGE

From fine art by established and up-and-coming artists to graffiti artists, Salem on the Edge features work by PNW artists in a variety of media for purchase. Shows change each month. 156 Liberty St NE | salemontheedge.com

October 2 to November 15
Along the Willamette: Plein Air Paintings — This new series of work by represented artist Daemion Lee follows water. Painted entirely on location, these plein air watercolors trace the course of small streams as they gather into the Willamette mainstream and travel north toward the Columbia and the sea: beginning near home, at Waln Creek in Salem, then Mill Creek, Battle Creek, the Willamette itself, and on through Portland to the Columbia. The goal of Lee’s work is to capture a sense of place, in terms of both natural and built features in the environment, as well as ambiance and light. Lee’s work balances realism with expressionism, depicting not just how a place looks, but also how it feels.

RELATED EVENT: Reception — 5 to 8 p.m. Oct 2

STEFANI ART GALLERY

Showcasing modern, contemporary, and abstract art from local and internationally recognized artists. We offer original artworks, fine art photographs, and limited-edition prints for collectors at every level. Art should be accessible to all, and we’re here to help you find the perfect pieces for your space. 305 Court St NE | stefaniartgallery.com

Through October
Before the Water Rose — House of Stefani will present Before the Water Rose: Celilo Falls, 1956, an exhibition of Richard Stefani’s remarkable color photographs of Celilo Falls, made only months before the falls were submerged. This is the first time the photographs have been presented publicly as a unified body of work.

RELATED EVENT: Reception & Art Walk — 5 to 8 p.m. Oct 2

GALLERY 444

Framing shop and art gallery featuring a variety of art, including work by members of Artists in Action. 444 Ferry St SE | elsinoregallery.com

October 2 to 31
Paint & Write the Town — Artists in Action and Mid-Valley Poets bring visual art and writing together for this longstanding juried exhibition featuring work inspired by the community. Reception 5 to 8 p.m. Oct 2

Reminder: The Fiber Arts Show call to artists closes October 14. Learn more at aiafiberartsshow2026.artcall.org

RELATED EVENTS: Opening Reception — 5 to 8 p.m. Oct 2

CULTURAL EXHIBITS

WILLAMETTE HERITAGE CTR

14 historic structures house permanent and changing exhibits, a research library and archive, a textile learning center, and rentable event spaces over a five-acre campus, which also has retail shops, art galleries, artist studios, and offices. 1313 Mill St SE | 503-585-7012, willametteheritage.org

Through December 31, 2026
Textilezzz: The Fabric of Sleep is an exhibit that dives into the warm and fuzzy relationship between people and the fabrics we sleep with. From handcrafted coverlets to Oregon Trail traveling quilts and mass-produced woolen blankets, see snooze-inducing items from the center’s permanent collections.

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Author: The Instigator